MARCO Mañalac says he was a button-down-shirt guy before he did “Equus.”

Tackling the role of Alan Strang in a local production of the play “Equus” was an eye-opening experience for young actor Marco Mañalac.

It is the same role that Daniel Radcliffe took on for the London run in 2007 and on Broadway in 2008.

“Before doing the play, I knew nothing of it,” Marco told Living Stars during a visit to the Mañalac home in Muntinlupa City. “I discovered new things about myself. I’m now better able to tap into my emotions. I’m more sensitive to my environment.”

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Since his theater stint last year, Marco has appeared in several projects for ABS-CBN. He was cast in the fantasy-horror series “Imortal” and the horror film “Cinco.” He will be seen in the drama show “Maria la del Barrio,” which premieres Aug. 15, and is part of the coming rom-com, “Basted.”

Every chance I get, I buy shirts with comic book characters, especially Spiderman. Peter Parker (Spidey’s alter-ego) is the perfect underdog.

HE says the double-chocolate flavored whey protein is the best part of working out.

I like wearing blazers when I go out. I first wore this (a piece from People Are People) at the Myx Finals in 2010. The gray jacket is for hanging out with friends. I first used it in “ASAP” when the Myx group performed.

Shoes

I’m a big basketball fan, especially of the team Miami Heat. I have LeBron James’ shoes. I’m also a Michael Jordan fanatic. I have Jordan 1 shoes, the first ever. After “Equus,” I started wearing Converse sneakers.

Scents

SCENTS that brighten his mood get his vote.

I use Bench body sprays 8 and citrus orange after taking a bath. They have a happy scent. I also use Kenneth Cole Reaction, Ralph Lauren and Clinique Happy for Men. I like them because they don’t smell too strong.

THE young actor is a LeBron James fanatic.

Books

My favorite book is “Shooting Stars” (by Frederick McKissack Jr.). There’s actually a film also based on LeBron James’ life in high school. I have a bunch of Slam magazines, mostly about LeBron.

I’m also a “Star Wars” fan. My fave is “Star Wars Outcast,” which happens way after episodes 4, 5 and 6. I also like “Star Wars Unleashed.”

SOUVENIRS from “Equus”

The “Dark Tower” series by Stephen King is also a favorite. It’s a fusion of fantasy, sci-fi, horror and western genres. King calls it his greatest work ever. I like the seventh book. I spent my whole college life reading King.

I’m not a big Neil Gaiman fan, but his “Interworld” (cowritten by Michael Reaves) is really interesting. I fell in love with the story, about a boy who crosses universes and meets different versions of himself.

I’m a huge fan of mainstream comics, although I also read the indies. I’ve been into superheroes since I was a kid. “Avengers Disassembled” is about the main team of Avengers breaking up. This led to my favorite event of all time, the “Secret Invasion.”

“Green Lantern” is the star of DC Comics. “Final Crisis” is my favorite because of writer Grant Morrison, who also wrote “Batman.” He’s very eccentric.

DVDs, CDs

HE HAS a lot of shirts with comic book characters.

My favorite game is “Resident Evil.” It’s fun because I get to play it with my brother. I also like car fighting so I have “Full Auto 2: Battlelines,” one of my first games. It’s really intense.

I’m also a big fan of mixed martial arts. I have “UFC Undisputed.”

My brother and mom got me this movie called “Oldboy” (by Korean director Park Chan-wook). It’s hard-core, a must for fans; not the faint-hearted.

My brother and I are big fans of the Korean music group Girls’ Generation. My favorite member is Tiffany.

Another favorite is “Recovery,” by Eminem. I think it’s his best so far. When you’re down, listen to Eminem. His songs are really heartfelt. You know he’s gone through a lot, but he’s clean now. He’s now all about music, about being a good father and being the best man he can be.

Toys

I also collect Green Lantern pieces. My friend got them for me in the States. I have John Stewart and Hal Jordan, who turned evil for a while in the 1980s. I have Red Skull, the main enemy of Captain America; Doctor Octopus, main enemy of Spiderman. I also have “Watchmen” pieces. Another friend gave them to me because I’m a fan of the comics series.

A CONVERSE convert after playing Alan Strang, in “Equus.”

Gadgets

My brother brings our MacBook to school. I just use it for music. It’s pretty cool, especially Garage Band.

The Compaq laptop is my best friend. I’ve developed an attachment to it. I no longer use our personal computer all that often.